Category: kerala backwater tour packages

How many of you backpack to a destination with a proper idea and research? Or do you completely believe the itinerary and brochures? Even though you have been guided by a travel agent, you have to take the pain to do a little bit research about the destination you are heading to. The north Indians and foreigners coming to South India especially Kerala used to talk with their friends or relatives who have prior visited Kerala and gains enough knowledge about various places. One such marvel in their eyes is Kerala backwaters and being the crown jewel of Kerala tourism, the Kerala houseboat cruise in backwaters is something the travellers will not miss. Prior to booking houseboats, get answers to some basic questions on Kerala backwaters and houseboats journey. It is special to conduct honeymoon on a houseboat and while picking the packages for the same, ultimate care must be given. The most renowned backwater trip arrangers, Lifemadeasy will give answers to some of the basic questions on Kerala houseboats and backwaters, which are frequently asked by the customers. To make your trip in Kerala memorable, meticulous planning and preparations are necessary.

How can one say that houseboat cruise is really worth in Kerala tourism?

Of the Arabian Sea bordering Kerala, there are many lakes and rivers flowing parallel to the coast. These waterways are actually interconnected network of canal, lakes and rivers. Amidst these, there are some major cities or towns like Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam and Trivandrum. Vembanad Lake is the largest one and at each destination, it has got several names. The reason why travellers pick a backwater package is that the ecosystems of these backwaters are really unique and nature is at its best here with many paddy fields surrounding the borders of backwaters. Honeymoon tours are best conducted on houseboats as couples can spend romantic moments amidst the brackish lagoon with all comfortabilities and luxuries they seek for. Just by sitting comfortably in a houseboat, couples can enjoy the scenic beauty and also gets a chance to taste the traditional Kerala food. Hence, one can say that Kerala backwater tours are really unique.

How many days can the guests hire the houseboat?

As per the package, the guest can pick a day trip or overnight stay. The number of overnight stays can be discussed with the travel operator and the package price will depend on that. The day cruise will take place at morning and will come to an end by evening. For night stays, the houseboat will be anchored at any location. Food will be provided on board itself. Depending upon the number of days and nights required for houseboat cruise, the rate of the package also differs.

What are the category and type of houseboats?

The houseboats in Kerala come in various standards and types.

Standard houseboats have basic boat facilities but most of them are without air conditions.

Premium or Deluxe houseboats are fully air-conditioned with standard facilities and at night too, the AC can be used. But, care must be taken to note that the premium houseboats are fully covered with glass. Talk on this to your travel operator.

Luxury or super luxury houseboats are on the lists to experience ultimate royalty.

The type of houseboats comes with the presence of the number of rooms, sun deck and upper decks. One can choose the houseboats with your desired number of tours. Groups tours are economical in houseboats.

What are the houseboat cruise routes?

At the time of picking your backwater tour package, the routes of houseboat cruises in Kerala will be mentioned with the Alleppey- Kollam route being the longest one taking 8 hours. All the cruises will start from Alleppey or Kumarakom and can travel to any desired places. Kuttanad, Munroe islands, Kumarakom, Kayamkulam, Ashtamudi Lake, Alumkadavu, Trivandrum backwaters are some of the common destinations. To be specific, the routes are mentioned below and these same routes can be chosen with desirable days.

Every houseboat will be having two oarsmen and one professional cook. The cook prepares the traditional Kerala style food on board. To relish the marvel of the traditional cooking of Kerala food, one must surely take a houseboat ride. The dishes are mostly rice, with varieties of curries, fish curries, fish fry, chicken items etc. Evening, Kerala snacks will be served with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The tapioca and fish curry are one of the tastiest dishes on Kerala food menu. The crewmembers will take care of any issues to the houseboats.

What if the houseboats are not available for the day cruise?

If houseboats are not available for the ride, then one must pick the Shikkara rides as an alternative. The Shikkara rides serve the same picturesque beauty as in the houseboat and are also more economical but privacy will be assured if you are coming with the group. If family get-togethers or celebrations are your prime need, then houseboat must be chosen. Always book in advance for the cruise.

Are the houseboat cruises safe?

This is the most asked question by most of the tourists. To have the safest travel on board, always pick from the packages of most renowned tour operators. Since the tourism is safeguarded by the Government of Kerala by all means, one can safely travel but always be cautious. Honeymooncouples can be fully assured with the privacy and freedom in the houseboat.

Does the houseboat ply during monsoon; if so are discounts available for the same?

Monsoon seasons are the time of offseason tour in Kerala and the people looking forward to an economic travel would love to travel in monsoon as accommodation, and tickets can be availed with less price. Houseboat will ply during monsoons but the rates are really low during these times. One can speak with the tour operator and avail the discounts.

What are the best options for backwater tour?

In backwater tour, the options are many other than a day in the houseboat. The village tourism and bird watching are some of the interesting activities. Canal tours allow you to go deep into the village and backwater world and the coir retting process, fishing etc can be seen so close. Canal tours will bring you to lotus ponds, churches, temples on the shores. Adventure tours in backwaters can be best experienced by kayaking. At certain places, there are options for kayaking. Thus, honeymoon couples can have a thrilling backwater vacation by kayaking. If interested, canoeing is also the best idea. In Kumarakom, a bird sanctuary is located and avid bird watchers can focus their eye on rare bird species and migratory birds visiting the backwaters. Cycling through the villages in Kuttanad can make you breathe the fresh air surrounding and also present with the morning beauty of green paddy fields.

Dwelling deep into the backwater tours one will come to know that the thrill is a lot more than as expected from the itinerary. As a travel operator, Lifemadeasy will be giving full assistance and support on conducting backwater tours in Kerala.